Will Smith Finally Responds to the Passing of James Avery

Avery, who was 68, died last week due to complications from open heart surgery.

Will Smith, who played Avery’s street-smart nephew on the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” series, responded with his thoughts yesterday via Facebook.

“Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery,” Smith wrote. “Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in Peace.” Smith also shared a photo of the last time he and Avery were together.

The news of Avery’s death on New Year’s Eve was sent out to the world by Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Avery’s son, Carlton, on the show, by sharing his condolences on Twitter.